Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Wisdom

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place. Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

“Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.” Psalm 90:1

Commonly credited to Moses, Psalm 90 draws our thoughts to God’s Power in contrast to human frailty. God, everlasting to everlasting, is not bound by time but dwells in eternity; humanity is brief and finite. Verses 7-11 refer to Kadesh Barnea, a place of decision, the beginning of the Israelites’ 40-year journey in the wilderness. This prayer acknowledges their poor decision, lack of faith in God, rebellion, and God’s anger with them. A plea for compassion and restoration follows with an expressed desire to find satisfaction in God’s mercy.

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Our experiences of success and failure, past and present, help prepare us for life, but all of our life experiences collectively prepare our hearts for eternity. Only in realizing a need for God, in trusting the power with God, in searching the wisdom of God, can life be fruitful now and eternal after. Elohim, God of All-Power, grow me with Your compassion and unfailing love. Let wisdom flood my mind. Sometimes, life walks, wades, wails, and waits; other times, the days dance, dream, delight, and discover. In all these times, my soul longs to dwell with You forever. Count me alive in Christ. Satisfy me with Your mercy! ~dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author

Breathing Room For My Soul (blog) Follow on Twitter @soulchat

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Decision

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place. Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

“Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwell in the valley; tomorrow turn and move out into the wilderness by the Way of the Red Sea.” Exodus 15:25 NKJV

Arriving at Kadesh Barnea, Moses and the Israelites wait at the gate to the Promised Land. Twelve scouts, one from each tribe, explore Canaan. Upon their return, there is great discussion about whether to continue into the chosen land. Only two of the twelve, Joshua and Caleb, think proceeding into the land which flows with milk and honey a right decision. Rebellion and fear coupled with a lack of trust becomes a 40 year journey of waiting in the wilderness. Unfaithful disobedience delays God’s best plan.

From exile and slavery in Egypt to the entrance of the Promised Land, neither a pillar of cloud by day nor a pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. God’s Presence remains with Israel, but the consequences of disobedience prove arduous. We walk in a land of battles and blessings today. God has a plan for each one of us, but all too often we do not follow His leading in our decisions. Lord, I know I should seek You in my places of decision. I know I should listen for Your voice to lead me through the times I am unsure, afraid, confused. When I fail to be obedient, use the wilderness to grow my faithfulness. Count me alive in Christ. Always desiring my best, You go before me! ~dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author

Breathing Room For My Soul (blog) Follow on Twitter @soulchat

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

Preparing for Easter ~ 1st Sunday in Lent ~ God's Presence Dwells with His People

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place. Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

All His glory and beauty come from within, and there He delights to dwell.

His visits are frequent, His conversations sweet, His comforts refreshing:

His peace passing all understanding.

Thomas Kempis

“The LORD replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” Exodus 33:14

From the beginning in the garden, God desires an intimate relationship and divine fellowship with His people. At 75 years of age, Abraham leaves Haran in obedience to God’s call to a Promised Land. His response in faith to God would be blessed many times over; witnesses testify, “God is with you in all that you do.” Joseph, sold into slavery by his own brothers, is imprisoned in Egypt, but Scripture recounts, “the Lord is with him in prison,” protecting and providing. Joseph becomes a ruler in Egypt, saves the people from famine, including his own brothers. Moses leads the Israelites from captivity in Egypt across the Red Sea, a miracle of God. Throughout the next 40 years, God repeatedly demonstrates His promise to Moses and to His people, “My presence will go with you.” Despite the separation of God and mankind by sin, He still longs to be in relationship with us.

Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we can boldly enter the Most Holy Place. Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting Him. [Hebrews 10:22] Through Christ’s sacrifice, the intimate relationship between God and us is restored. How do we know our dwelling place is truly in God’s Presence? A genuine response to God must exceed our personal desires. Stepping out with faithful obedience to Christ’s example to love and encourage others will reveal our heart’s true resting place. Faithful Father, God of Power and Promise, find me willing to embrace Your goodness. In divine fellowship with You and other believers, let my words demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When I stand surrounded by those who are cold and lonely, hungry and thirsty, open my heart to live by the Spirit. Count me alive in Christ, my dwelling place His Presence. ~dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author

Breathing Room For My Soul (blog) Follow on Twitter @soulchat

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Rejection

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place. Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

“. . . He is unclean, and he shall dwell alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.” Leviticus 13:46

Leviticus contains many instructions for God’s covenant people given to protect, to guide in worship, to distinguish them from pagans, and to instruct the priests. The laws concerning “leprosy” offer very specific protocols. At this time, leprosy relates to any disfiguring skin disease; true leprosy, ulcers, burns, psoriasis, fungal infections and other skin diseases fall into this category. While the purposes of these rules are to offer protection and maintain holiness, the diseased person is considered unclean, becomes isolated and must live outside the camp. For these people, this is a place of rejection.

In Leviticus 14:1-18, to cleanse and restore the leper, the priest must go outside to the unclean person and perform certain rituals. With sacrifices, water, blood and oil, the priest makes atonement for the person before the Lord. Similarly, sin creates a spiritual leprosy that infects the soul. Without Christ, grace can only wait to heal our wounds while we remain isolated and broken outside the camp. Christ knows about this place of rejection, having been willing to leave heaven and willing to die for our sins, having been betrayed and crucified outside of Jerusalem. Christ finds us where we are waiting. He becomes the sacrifice, the Living Water, the blood of the Lamb, the Holy Anointing for each person seeking new life. Holy One, You look beyond my unclean, disfigured soul and offer me Grace. No longer broken and alone, I find new life, new hope, new joy, new healing, new community. Count me alive in Christ. No longer separated, I can dwell in the presence of God. ~dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author

Breathing Room For My Soul (blog) Follow on Twitter @soulchat

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Holiness

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place. Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

“He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. . . God called to [Moses] out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then He said, ‘Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’” Exodus 3:2-5 ESV

While tending his father-in-law’s flock of sheep, Moses arrives at Horeb, the mountain of God, to find a supernatural phenomenon, a bush on fire but not consumed. God’s voice calling to Moses declares this place holy ground. God sees the misery of His people, captives in Egypt, and tells Moses, “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh [to] bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” Moses replies with various questions hoping, even pleading to be excused from this great mission. Before the bush of fire in the middle of the desert and kindled by the invisible, Moses encounters God, I AM, Yahweh.

The burning bush reveals God’s Glory and His Power, which Moses will need to accomplish this most unlikely mission. The Israelite’s oppression and protection is personified in the all-burning, non-consuming fire. Moses, an 80 year old shepherd, would become a symbol of humble passion and lead God’s people to their Promised Land. God promises Moses I will be with you! Jehovah, Yahweh, The One Who Is, when life seems ordinary, open my eyes to Your extraordinary Power. When my soul wanders aimlessly along familiar paths empty and thirsty, remind me of Living Water. Especially in my rebellion let me encounter Your Glory. Count me alive in Christ.  When You call me to serve in unexpected ways, tell me again I will be with you. ~dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author

Breathing Room For My Soul (blog) Follow on Twitter @soulchat

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Paradise

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place. Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

“And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there He put man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:8-9 ESV

God creates the Garden of Eden as an oasis, a paradise where He desires to dwell alongside of mankind. This magnificent garden contains all that is necessary to sustain life. In the garden, mankind finds purposeful work and divine fellowship, as well as a place to worship the Creator. In this place, God establishes the institution of marriage. Man and woman, created in the image of God, have all that is needed.

Yet, in this place surrounded by the righteousness of God, trickery and deceit test the obedience of Adam and Eve. Without confession of sin and true humility, they begin to offer excuses. God sends them out of the garden, and “at the east of the garden of Eden” He places “the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.” Now, a separation exists between man and God, and there is no way back into the garden. Holy, Holy, Holy, I cry out to the Most High God. Forgive my sinful ways, my rationalizations of sin, my good intentions, my failure in obedience, my selfishness, my apathy. There is a broken road between You and me that is beyond my repair. I long to once again dwell alongside You. Count me alive in Christ. I desire to linger in the garden with You. ~dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author

Breathing Room For My Soul (blog) Follow on Twitter @soulchat

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Ash Wednesday ~ Jehovah Shammah

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place. Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

“And the name of the city from that time on will be THE LORD IS THERE.”

Ezekiel48:35 NIV

While living in Babylon in a refugee settlement among the exiled Israelites, the prophet Ezekiel encounters “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it I fell face down, and I heard the voice of one speaking”. Through visions to Ezekiel, God reveals His warnings to an unrepentant Jerusalem, judgments on all nations, hope for Israel, and a New Jerusalem. Most refuse to listen to Ezekiel. Forty-eight chapters and over twenty years later, Ezekiel records as the Sovereign LORD declares, ”And the name of the city from that time on will be: THE LORD IS THERE.”  Jehovah Shammah, Hebrew for ‘The LORD is there,” describes the New Jerusalem, the same city in Revelation 21:3 where God will dwell with His people.

Although idol-worshiping Babylon seems an unlikely place for Israel to find God, He is there. After Christ returns and all Believers live in the New Jerusalem, God will be there, too. God desires to dwell among His people. God’s presence exceeds our finite boundaries of time, location, and circumstance. Lord, today as I come to the altar acknowledging my infinite dependence on Christ, let me leave the altar wearing the ashes as a sign of repentance. Whisper the hope of THE LORD IS THERE into my brokenness, into my disappointment, into my weakness, into my silence, into my vanity, into my prayers.  Count me alive in Christ. Jehovah Shammah!  Amen ~ dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author

Breathing Room For My Soul (blog) Follow on Twitter @soulchat

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

Preparing for EASTER ~ 2014

Beginning tomorrow - Ash Wednesday 3/5/14 - You can read daily devotions on the WAFJ web site called Preparing for Easter and on my blog,  Breathing Room For My Soul. Join me as we reflect and renew our personal relationship with Jesus. Share this with your friends. ~ Donna Oswalt

photo by Marian Morgan - Fayetteville, NC

Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting,

You are God. Psalm 90:1-2 NASB

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place. Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Oswalt

Thank you for the opportunity to share the Extravagant Love of God with you during this Easter Season. For more devotionals throughout the year, see my blog: BreathingRoomForMySoul.com  Donna Oswalt

Integrity, Honesty, and Sincerity ~ Psalm 15

Only those who are innocent and who do what is right. Such people speak the truth from their hearts and so not tell lies about others. They do no wrong to their neighbors and do not gossip. They do not respect hateful people but honor those who honor the LORD. They keep their promises to their neighbors, even when it hurts. They do not charge interest on money they lend and do not take money to hurt innocent people. Whoever does all these things will never be destroyed. Psalm 15:3-5 NCV 

Christians demonstrate their relationship and fellowship with God in the everyday, ordinary, getting-up, going-to-work, having-lunch, sitting-in-car line, helping-with-homework, cleaning-the-kitchen-again activities. Worshiping God is not confined to the church building. When our inner integrity merges with our outward sincerity, the heart reveals its true intimacy with Jesus. Desiring to serve or wanting to love, wishing for faith or longing for hope, simply is not enough. Behavior becomes the thermometer for our worship. Integrity exceeds doing what is right by doing it for the right reason. Sincerity has only room for truth, honor, and love. Are you lukewarm?

"In the stillness, our false, busy selves are unmasked and seen for the imposter they truly are." Richard Foster, Prayer, Finding the Heart's True Home 

 If we take inventory of our behavior, what will we find? What happens when we remove our masks: control, busyness, apathy, carelessness, greed, prejudice, rationalization, self-consciousness, comfort? Can we find justice without truth? Can we know completeness without mercy? The simplicity of Psalm 15 lays out the characteristics for a Believer who desires to abide in God's presence. So,take off the masks. Live with honesty. Work, speak, and think, making Christ the center of your intentions.

"He who does these things will never be shaken." NASB

This phrase, a promise of a faithful God, appears at least 8 times in Psalms and Proverbs.The Hebrew word mot describes something that "falters, falls, shakes, slips, or staggers." In these last words, God reminds us our completeness in Him; He is our sure foundation. While we are certain to falter, likely to fall, sometimes shake, and frequently stagger, God embraces our frailty and failures with mercy. God calls us, first, into His holiness to restore our inward integrity, then reveals Himself to others through our outward sincerity. If we walk among the bruised and broken, sit beside the outcasts and overlooked, encourage the frail and fallen, and do this in the name of Jesus, we will never be shaken. ~dho

Consider This:
- Identify the masks you wear that keep you from finding completeness in Christ.
- Will you take off the masks and enter God's holy space?

When our inner integrity merges with our outward sincerity, the heart reveals its true intimacy with Jesus. Donna Oswalt

God calls us, first, into His holiness to restore our inward life, then reveals Himself to others through our outward tasks. Donna Oswalt

Who's Invited? ~ Psalm 15

GOD, who gets invited to dinner at Your place?
How do we get on Your guest list? Psalm 15:1-2 The Message

In considering the qualities that God desires of His children, the heart could feel overwhelmed. After all, by the very nature of our humanity, we struggle with sin, daily recognizing our inability to be love, to show kindness, to offer forgiveness. Yet, God's unconditional love for us reaches down into our brokenness. Without such extravagant love, we remain in constant need of rescuing, both restless and reckless. The truth is that no one can enter His holy space without an invitation, but the greatest truth is that God is inviting all of us to be His guest! Jesus personally seals each invitation. Will you leave behind the fractured places and worn-out spaces of life?Will you allow God's grace to cover you, to renew your soul? Will your RSVP to God's heavenly dinner feast be YES? "Be my Savior, be my lifeline, be my everything..." - dho

I Can Just Be Me by Laura Story

Consider This:
- LISTEN to this song (also can be heard by clicking the song title "I Can Just Be Me")
- In what ways does this song describe your life? Give you hope? Bring you peace?

After all, by the very nature of our humanity, we struggle with sin, daily recognizing our inability to be love, to show kindness, to offer forgiveness. Donna Oswalt

The truth is that no one can enter His holy space without an invitation, but the greatest truth is that God is inviting all of us to be His guest! Donna Oswalt

Snowbound With Hope

Like much of the south and south eastern part of the United States, I am snowbound, only not at home without power and thankfully, not snowbound on the side of a road in a cold car. Currently, I am safely snowbound in a hotel across from Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. Leaving snow falling in Fayetteville, NC on Tuesday morning and arriving just ahead of some winter weather for this area, my sister, nephew and I checked into the hotel for another round of the seemingly endless post-cancer follow-up examinations, tests and appointments. Don't misunderstand; we remain abundantly thankful for the opportunity for these visits. Trying to keep perspective can sometimes be difficult, but like every other visit to Duke Children's Hospital, God will remind us of magnificent healing and Hope!

Thomas turned 12 last week and wears the 6 inch posterior cranial scar beneath this winter's hair. The words "a malignant brain tumor" still seize the heart, despite the surgery, physical therapy, and 30 radiation treatments. A little over two years ago, the post-radiation MRI scan reads "all clear"! Life is supposed to just go on after that; it does, but in a radically changed way. Everything feels and looks different. This new found perspective comes with a steep price but the life experiences are priceless. 

Along with a fasting blood draw (for a future appointment), there is the MRI with contrast, then the appointment with the radiation oncologist who will reveal the results. Needles are never fun, no matter how kind and professional the medical staff. Lying perfectly still with your head in a cage for an hour never gets easier. Then there is the waiting to hear the results. Every repeat test opens the door for old memories and new possibilities. The routine of these every 3 month or 6 month exams can almost become rote, but there are triggers ~ sights, sounds, smells. These unpredictable memories come suddenly and capture the heart, like being snowbound in a winter's storm.

This visit added another dimension ~ the 20th Annual Duke Children's Hospital Radio-thon by MIX 101.5 WRAL in Raleigh. Set up right in the middle of the lobby of the DCH, tables with phones manned my volunteers, the radio personalities interview children and parents of Duke patients. Some travel for miles as they are invited to this event. Some children are patients now, some have been patients for years. Story after story of hope is shared live on the radio. People all across this region listen to these stories and donate to the cause. This two-day annual event raised $1,070,000 this year for Duke Children's Hospital. Last year Thomas and Linda were interviewed, and again this year, Thomas, an official Ambassador for Duke, shared his story and wrote 'thank you' notes to sponsors.

The atmosphere brings laughter and excitement but the children bring the love. All ages with all kinds of medical problems gather. Their commonality is Duke's medical care and their scars. Some scars are carefully hidden while other are openly worn without shame, without option. Smiles come easily and hugs always invited. Parents recount stories and nod with understanding while deep emotions reveal their private, invisible scars. Patients that have endured and nearing high school graduation sit beside patients thriving in elementary school but struggling with on going medical problems. We sit across from Micah, barely starting elementary school, sporting a creative spirit and a tracheostomy while undergoing palliative chemotherapy for a brain stem tumor that has already spread to his spine. For now, he looks forward to Duke's Dance Marathon fundraiser March 22, but there will be no cure for Micah this side of heaven. I watch his mother bravely wearing hope, thankful for the time Duke is offering her. Snowbound with hope!

For us, the MRI continues to report "all clear" while Thomas continues to grow, physically and spiritually. God's presence comforts and encourages us as we walk this journey together. In December, Thomas, ever the fundraiser, promoted a Small Toy Drive at his school and brought 5 large containers of toys for children staying in the hospital and those receiving chemotherapy treatments. Thomas' Radio-thon website page for Duke has raised $1650.00 to date. Always quick with a smile, he explains that God has healed him with the help of Duke and now it is time to give back ~ generously and with thanksgiving. Colossians 3:17 reminds us: Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of The Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Lord, I pray our life experiences will keep each of us 'snowbound with hope' in Jesus! To God be the Glory! ~dho

from the journal I recorded Thomas' journey:
There are some who see this difficult journey as great tragedy. Surely, it is not something we would have chosen; yet, the goodness of God has been revealed in ways and through people that bless my soul beyond words. The kindnesses offered and the gestures of love come along side the weariness that this illness brings. Through these sometimes small and often huge offerings, the spirit is renewed. Invisible, intangible HOPE comes to rest within the soul; the Presence of God is near. To God be the Glory! !dho

Inner Character ~ Psalm 15

He who walks uprightly,
and works righteousness,
and speaks truth in his heart...Psalm 15:2 NKJV

Continuing our study of ethical integrity outlined in Psalm 15, one can find 10 standards of character that reflect a lifestyle pleasing to God. These standards parallel the Ten Commandments and offer examples of visible, outward behavior that goes beyond what is required. Integrity exceeds head knowledge by calling for a heart response. In the New Testament, James 1:22-25 emphasizes the need to obey, not just listen. Our inner character writes the story our living tells others.

These words in Psalm 15 paint positive pictures that represent sincerity, completeness, and trustworthiness. Actions disclose the inner character of a person, describe their true relationship with God and distinguish authenticity of the heart. Being in fellowship with God positions the Christian to breakdown barriers and construct communities that together share the Gospel of Christ. Ethical integrity is spiritual faithfulness in a faithful God lived out loud!

Blackaby says, "Righteousness is the key to intimacy with God." As we draw near to God in study and prayer, let us take inventory of our outward behavior. What story do my actions tell others about my fellowship with God? How have I given a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves, or am I simply satisfied with my abundance? When did I last wash the feet of another, or is my humility missing? Where could my hands have held another's pain, or am I too busy to stop? The heart's most sincere desire must be to have an intimate relationship with God; only then we can walk and work and speak with pure expressions of grace. -dho

Consider This:
- Read James 1:22-25 (click on verse for link to Bible Gateway)
- What does the inventory of your outward behavior reveal about your inner character? Journal these observations.

Our inner character writes the story our living tells others. Donna Oswalt

Ethical integrity is spiritual faithfulness in a faithful God lived out loud! Donna Oswalt

Thanks to "The High Calling" for mentioning my blog post on Twitter!

@thehighcalling: Ethical Integrity, by @soulchat at Breathing Room for My Soul http://t.co/ypVwL8I16o #THCnetwork

Ethical Integrity ~ Psalm 15

Who may worship in Your sanctuary, LORD?
Who may enter Your presence on Your holy hill? Psalm 15:1 NLT

photo by: Becky Clark

Even though God loves us first and chooses us to be a part of His family, there are some expectations of moral behavior that are markers for us. If we claim to belong to the family of God, our lives should demonstrate integrity, should reflect consistent ethical and moral actions. While earth-bound, we cannot attain perfect character, but we should always be striving to become more like Christ. The world's ethical standards, which define equality and justice in legal terms, are not necessarily the standards of God. 

This psalm, often called the "entrance liturgy" by scholars, reflects the qualities the worshiper should possess when coming into the presence of the Lord. Spiritual virtues in Psalm 15 gives us guidelines for living so that we are prepared to enter the presence of God. Not just lessons on moral responsibility, these ancient words also respond to the believer's need to worship God, to the heart's desire to find rest in the presence of the Jehovah. Whether in worship or prayer, God's presence is a holy space.

Over the next few weeks let's explore the standards of Christian integrity God's word provides. The last verse offers the outcome for Christian ethics: He who does these things will never be shaken. Trusting the Lord and embracing the promises of God sustain us as we live in the world. God's assurance stands in direct contrast to world's uncertainty. How will you enter God's Holy Space? ~dho

Consider This:
- Read Psalm 15 (click on verse for link to Bible Gateway) 
- Using a Thesaurus (link here), find words that mean "integrity"

Spiritual virtues in Psalm 15 gives us guidelines for living so that we are prepared to enter the presence of God. Donna Oswalt

God's assurance stands in direct contrast to world's uncertainty. How will you enter God's Holy Space? Donna Oswalt

Got a moment to watch a real miracle? (my nephew, Thomas) - click this link:
http://www.helpmakemiracles.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=244028

God-kind of Containers!

In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblet and silver platters, 
but waste cans and compost buckets - some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use 
to present any and every kind of gift to His guests for their blessing.

2 Timothy 2:20-21 The Message 

What kind of container can God use? Everyone understands a container is designed for the purpose of holding something. Containers come is all sizes from bags to buckets, cisterns to caissons, pods to pots, vats to vessels, each with its own purpose. Today, we think of containers as holders of physical objects, storage containers or organizers, but in ancient literature, people are commonly thought of as vessels; "their bodies as containers" gives us a new way to consider how God has designed us for holiness.

In my word search, I discover two antique words that are types of containers, alembic and jeroboam. Alembic is an obsolete device consisting of two vessels used for distillation that separates the impurities from a chemical, a purifying and refining process. References to Jeroboam, the first king of the Northern kingdom of Israel, can be found in the Old Testament. Living during the time of Solomon and his defiance of God, Jeroboam becomes a king who creates conspiracies, instigates idol worship and engages in constant conflict with the Southern kingdom of Judah. Two types of containers, one designed for purification contrasted with a bodily container engaged in conflict ~ what kind of container do you want to be?

Warren Wiersbe's commentary describes each Christian as being "a vessel in the great house, but some vessels are defiled and cannot be used." This Scripture explains to us that every house uses various containers, but we should strive to become the kind of container that God can use. This requires Christ, the only refiner and purifier of souls. Without Christ, our vessel is unclean and not useful. In this Scripture, the Greek word skeuos signifies a vessel, container, or instrument that is used in a given activity. Paul challenges each Believer to become a valuable, useful and holy container to be used for God's Glory. God lavishes us with His love and calls us to holiness in Him. There are some who say they know God, but their actions tell a different story. Does your container tell a God-story? ~ dho

Consider This?

- Read Romans 5:3-5 (click on verse for link to BibleGateway)

- Describe how God fills "containers" for Christians.

Warren Wiersbe describes each Christian as being "a vessel in the great house, but some vessels are defiled and cannot be used."

"What kind of container can God use?... in ancient literature, people are commonly thought of as vessels; "their bodies as containers" gives us a new way to consider how God has designed us for holiness." 

Donna Oswalt

Rescue Me!

God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before Him...
God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to His eyes. 
Psalm 18:20,24 The Message

Keep Making Me ~ Sidewalk Prophets

God uses the broken, empty, lonely places in life ~ if we allow Him. Too often, we choose to blame others, complain, play the victim, emotionally shut down ~ instead of allowing God to spiritually heal us. In Psalm 18, David recounts his constant attacks from his enemies. David knows God is his only real defense. "I love You, O LORD, my strength," is David's response to being rescued. 

I really like this song and hope you will take a moment to listen to the words. Give God all the pieces of you - the fragile,broken places, the lost opportunities, the wish-I-could-try-again's, the emotional disappointments, the successes that did not bring contentment, the worldly desires that will not bring you joy, the hope that is hiding underneath your pride, the despair of doubt, the hard edges of cynicism, the thunderstorms inside your soul  - give these to God and let His love become your One desire! Let God rescue you! ~ dho

Consider This:

- Read all of Psalm 18

- Answer this: What do you need to be rescued from? Will you let God rewrite the text of your life?

God's Offering!

Love and faithfulness meet together;

righteousness and peace kiss each other.

Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,

and righteousness looks down from heaven.

The LORD will indeed give what is good,

and our land will yield its harvest.

Righteousness goes before Him

and prepares the way for His steps.

Psalm 85:10-13 NIV

When you read The Message, the word used for faithfulness is truth; love and truth meet. Also, the words righteousness and peace kiss are interchanged for right living and whole living embrace. Jesus personifies Love and Truth. In our redemption, He is both Love and Truth eternally mingled with our hearts and souls. The yield is our right living, the sharing of His Love and Truth with others. Our reward becomes whole living, complete peace ~ His Peace. This is God's Holy Harvest!

God's faithfulness is His promise of Truth, the Truth that defines right living and whole living for each of us. He clothes us with robes of righteousness lined with inner peace that exceeds our understanding. We kneel before the Love Most High overwhelmed with thankfulness for His power and goodness. His gift of righteousness, of right living, surrounds us, protects us, leads us into the next moment. Once secure inside this gift, we discover whole living, His perfect Peace! How complete is His Offering! Great is His Faithfulness! ~dho

Consider This:
- look up the definition of "faithfulness"
- name 3 ways God's faithfulness has effected your life

God's faithfulness is His promise of Truth, the Truth that right living and whole living brings to each of us. Donna Oswalt

A New Year; A Forever Hallelujah!

Hallelujah! I give thanks to GOD with everything I've got - Whenever good people gather, and in the congregation. GOD's works are so great, worth a lifetime of study - endless enjoyement! Splendor and majesty mark His craft; His generosity never gives out. His miracles are His memorial - The GOD of Grace, this GOD of Love. 
Psalm 111:1-4 The Message

In a current television commercial, a child incorrectly says the familiar phrase New Year's Resolution as New Year's 'Revolution'! While quite humorous, it not so far off the mark. According to the dictionary, revolution can be defined as a sudden, complete or marked change in something. Grace is like a revolution. When Grace is invited, it comes suddenly, completely and markedly changes us for ever! Perhaps what most of us really need is a spiritual revolution this new year! Maybe this is the year to reach new depths of intimacy with Christ. Maybe this is the year to fully commit to living for Jesus, to living like Jesus. 

As this new year begins, completely commit to something that will encourage your spiritual growth, some activity that will deepen your relationship with Christ. Maybe this is the year to join a Bible Study group, volunteer to teach a Sunday School Class, lead a prayer team, go on a mission trip, or become part of a faith project in your own church or community. Often these require one to step outside the familiar, outside a comfort zone. Listen! What is God calling you to do that will makedly change you forever?

Personal spiritual growth can involve setting a daily devotional time, reading the Bible and praying. There are many books and online options. You can choose a Bible verse that will inspire and help direct your spiritual journey for the year. Simply get out your Bible and pray for God to lead you to a specific verse for the year to come. Claim it! Memorize it! Post it! Share it! Study it! Or, maybe you need a word for the year -just one word- that will help you focus on Christ, discern His will, encourage your heart, and bring you peace. If you are into social media, one recent suggestion I read is to choose several of your Facebook friends and pray for them, chooisng new ones each week or so. Tell them you are praying for them, asking if they have specific needs. LISTEN! PRAY! STUDY! God will help you discover His unique path for you this year. 

Whether you make New Year's resolutions or not, I believe God is always calling us to greater spiritual growth. Any moment, unexpected circumstances cause sudden, complete or marked change. Will you be ready spiritually for such a life-revolution? Will you know how to find comfort in God's Holy Word? Will you be prepared to pray for others in crisis? Will you be able to share God's word with someone in need? Spending time with God - praying, studying, and listening - prepares us to help others, provides us with words to reassure, comfort, and encourage another. Consistently seeking God's Presence grows deep spiritual roots of faith and trust, of love and hope in Christ. This GOD of Grace, this GOD of Love...His Hallelujah lasts forever! ~dho

Consider this:
- READ Psalm 111
- Journal your thoughts